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Ronan Keating today paid an emotional tribute to his “friend and brother” Stephen Gately as his Boyzone bandmates arrived in Majorca to take the singer's body home.
Looking tired and standing arm in arm with the three other group members, Keating said his “world changed forever” with the 33-year-old's death.
“We have come to Majorca today to accompany our pal on his final journey back to Dublin, where we know he will be given an unforgettable send off tomorrow,” the Boyzone frontman read from a statement. “We'd like to thank the authorities here for their help and for the respect they have shown to our friend.
“Stephen and Andrew [Gately's partner Andrew Cowles] had chosen to make Majorca their second home and we know Stephen loved the times they spent together here. The countless messages of love and support we have received this week have truly overwhelmed us and the Gately family.
“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for each and every one of them. Stephen lived to perform and truly loved being centre stage. You can be sure he's looking down on us now wishing we'd move over so he could flash his smile for the cameras one more time.
“We know nothing will ever be the same without our dearest friend, Stephen. Rest in peace, brother.”
Keating stood solemnly with bandmates Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy in front of photographers. The four have all had tattoos commemorating Gately and are expected to sing at his funeral.
They were due to return to Dublin this afternoon, taking Gately's coffin back on the private plane in which they arrived. Gately's body will be taken to a funeral home, close to where he grew up, where his family will see him.
The remaining Boyzone members will stay overnight with the body after a church service for family and close friends including Gately's parents
Martin and Margaret. Thousands of fans, celebrities and dignitaries are expected at his funeral Mass at noon tomorrow.
Gately was found dead on the sofa in his apartment in Majorca last Saturday after a night out with Cowles and friend Georgi Dochev. A post-mortem examination found he died from natural causes.
* Stephen Gately's Boyzone bandmates have had tattoos done in tribute to the singer, left. The tattoo, featuring the years of Gately's birth and death, was just visible on Ronan Keating's arm, right, as he spoke at Majorca's Palma Airport today.
